In situ Formation of Metal Nanoparticles through Electron Beam Irradiation: Modeling Real Materials from First-Principles Calculations

Advances in electron-matter studies, based on the irradiation of the electron beam in the transmission electron microscopy or field emission-scanning electron microscope on materials represents a preferred external physical and chemical tool for in situ remote command of the functional attributes of nanomaterials associated to its unique advantages of high spatial and temporal resolution and digital controllability. This makes the field of electron beam irradiation an emerging topic open for many researchers right now. Electron-material interactions envisage the formation, growth and coalescence of metal nanoparticles induced by electron beam irradiations and motivated by this discovery, in this Review, we provide an account of the recent advancements and theoretical developments to describe this phenomena and their applications. A theoretical framework is developed to determine the physical principles involved in the mechanism for the formation of metal nanoparticles on different materials by electron beam irradiation under the guidance of first-principles calculations at density functional level. New research directions are emerging in materials science to reach many applications by providing a deeper insight in the properties and phenomena in complex material systems. We conclude our work by briefly outlining the challenges that need to be addressed and the opportunities that can be tapped into. We hope that the review of the flourishing and vibrant topic with myriad possibilities would shine light on exploring the future directions of this research field by encouraging and opening the windows to meaningful multidisciplinary cooperation of researchers from different backgrounds and scientists from the fields such as chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, nanotechnology and materials science.